CHAPTER 5: CONTRIBUTION AND OPPORTUNITY
Introduction
The ways in which older people can and do contribute to Scottish society are as many and diverse as the facets of our society. Through paid or voluntary work or in caring roles, older people make both economic and social contributions through choice or through necessity.
The consultation document stated that, "The Scottish Executive wants to know how best to support older people who wish to contribute to society, and to recognise the contribution that people have already made" and asked:
- What do you think are the main ways in which older people contribute to society and Scotland?
- Are there other ways they might be able to contribute more in the future?
- Do you think there are obstacles to older people contributing to society? What are they, and how can they be overcome?
- What do you think about ageism and age discrimination?
- What else could be done?
Consultees made little, if any, differentiation between present and possible future contributions. Comments on both of these questions have therefore been analysed together.
5.1 PRESENT AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTION
The consultation document detailed a range of ways in which older people can and do contribute to society. As can be seen from chart 5.1, many of the key themes emerging from responses matched the examples given by the Scottish Executive and referred to caring roles, employment or other means of providing economic contribution, or by volunteering.
Chart 5.1
Summary of contributions presently or in the future
These key contributions were summed up in the following quote from a voluntary organisation,
"Some of our focus group participants described older people as the 'glue of society' providing day care for grandchildren, home care for elderly parents and sick partners, volunteer hours for essential community projects, support to the economy through spending power, advice and guidance to younger generations and a community resource of wisdom and cultural values."
Not all respondents commented on every question and 21% did not on any individual questions in relation to contribution.
5.1.1 Voluntary Work
The first key contribution, acknowledged by 39% of all respondents, was the voluntary work undertaken for organisations, committees or within communities, with older people being described as the backbone or mainstay of many of these. One percent of respondents commented on the need for some form of financial incentive for volunteers. One voluntary organisation reported that,
"In our latest voluntary sector audit (we) found that the economic value of the sector in West Dunbartonshire alone totalled some £53.7 million, with 5,341 volunteers contributing to the local community and economy. Any withdrawal, from the services they provide would be detrimental to the area."
And included a comment from some of its volunteers,
"It would be a shock to the system if we all went on strike for a week."
Over half (54%) of all organisations commented on the contribution made by older people in volunteering. Only 16% of individuals aged under 50 acknowledged this contribution. This may well be, at least in part, because organisations are more aware of the numbers of volunteers upon which they rely.
5.1.2 Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Consultees also commented on the wealth of knowledge and experience and on the wide range of skills that older people have to offer, with 37% of all consultees acknowledging this contribution. One health organisation commented that they believe,
"That older people can make a unique contribution to Scottish society. With the passing of time come certain commodities that must be considered priceless to our society. That is; the development of skills, the acquisition of knowledge and the wealth of experience developed over a lifetime."
This contribution was the main theme identified by 43% of individuals under the age of 50, although only 23% of respondents from the Asian community commented on knowledge, skills and experience.
5.1.3 Caring Roles
The wide variety of caring roles undertaken by older people attracted comments from 34% of all consultees. These roles included looking after partners, grandchildren or neighbours and many of these consultees commented that older people carry out these roles unpaid, thereby saving the government large amounts of money that would otherwise have to be spent on providing care through public services. One individual detailed her own experiences,
"As a carer (60) of my husband (63) who has a mixed dementia, I feel people like me are saving the state huge amounts of money. Only a few care homes are registered to take people under 65, fewer still for "Rolling Respite". The need is the same at 64 or 65. We need regular breaks, financial support for younger sufferers and carers below pension age. £46 a week is £1 something per hour."
In addition to general comments on caring, 6% of these responses highlighted the role that older people play in supporting their families or keeping families together. Among respondent sub-groups, the highest mention of caring roles came from individuals within the Asian community (51%). Overall, fewer of those aged under 50 (13%) made comments on this aspect of contribution. There was a marked difference in responses between genders; 36% of women saw caring as a contribution compared to only 26% of men. A special interest group commented that,
"They [women] act as carers for other often older people, but require adequate support in this. They act as carers for young children in order that parents can go out to work. This is particularly so in Minority Ethnic communities, including the Muslim community, partly due to the lack of affordable and faith/ culturally sensitive childcare facilities particularly in relation to pre-school children."
Among the substantive responses the issue of support for carers was raised. A charity highlighted this issue in the specific field of cancer care as follows,
"Older people have a vital role to play in cancer care. Because the majority of people living with cancer are over 65, many cancer patients are also older people. Looking after a loved one with cancer is a great personal commitment that can be lonely and isolating. (The respondent) urges the Executive to implement the recommendations of the Care 21 report to improve the situation for older carers."
Recommendations in the Care 21 report were also welcomed by a health organisation.
5.1.4 Economic Contribution
Contributions made to the economy were identified by 23% of all consultees and this included 32% of those from the Asian community but only 13% of the under 50 age group. There were some suggestions for offering options for older people to continue contributing to the economy, perhaps by offering more flexible working patterns. A public body commented that,
"People who retire early or at retirement age could be interested in part-time options using their skills and experience or options that enable them to work in a different context from their previous employment, where they will be able to make a social contribution and / or where there will be fewer responsibilities."
The flexibility offered to employers by older people, in terms of the ability or willingness to work part-time or flexible hours, was mentioned by 10% of consultees with 4% commenting that employers should make more use of this resource. Economic contributions made by older people as tax-payers or consumers were mentioned by 12% of consultees.
5.1.5 Values
The other key contribution, identified by 11% of all respondents, was that of maintaining and promoting values. The under 21 age group showed greatest awareness of this contribution with 13% commenting. The key value to emerge among this age group was that of the upkeep of tradition which included oral history, dialects, crafts and cultural heritage. One special interest group commented, "Older people are a repository of experience and knowledge gained throughout their lives and have lived the history of communities."
Other specific comments on values included:
- Contributing to the upkeep of tradition (5%);
- Setting standards or acting as role models (2%);
- Promoting moral values (2%);
- Good citizenship (1%);
- Promoting understanding among religions, races or cultures (1%).
5.2 OBSTACLES TO CONTRIBUTING
The consultation asked, "Do you think there are obstacles to older people contributing to society? What are they, and how can they be overcome?"
Two percent of respondents felt that no obstacles exist and almost one in two (46%) did not comment on this specific question.
Chart 5.2 shows the key issues cited in response to this question and these encompass:
- Health;
- Access to appropriate facilities and services;
- Financial restraints;
- Employment and volunteering;
- Training;
- Social isolation;
- Attitudes held by older people.
Chart 5.2
Summary of obstacles to older people contributing to society
5.2.1 Health Issues
Declining health; either mental or physical, was cited by 17% of all consultees, including 30% of respondents from the Asian community, as a key barrier to contributing. One health organisation commented on the need to ensure, "that minor age related problems and disability do not prevent a person from being a willing participant."
While most comments on health as an obstacle were very general in nature, a very small number (1% or less) raised some more specific issues which included:
- The need to keep the mind active (1%);
- The need to keep physically active (<1%);
- The need for more or better occupational health services (<1%).
Sixteen health organisations responded to the consultation and over a third (38%) identified health issues as a possible obstacle. One of these, from within the NHS, commented that, "It is essential that the NHS develops its services to ensure older people maintain good health to allow them to contribute to society."
5.2.2 Access
Access to appropriate facilities and services was felt, by 12% of consultees, to be necessary to enable older people to contribute. This included 10% who saw the need for free or low cost, easily accessible transportation. This was also the main theme to emerge in responses from organisations, with 21% commenting on this theme. One percent of respondents thought that more allowance needed to be made for different physical needs, while 1% noted the problems faced in rural areas. One local authority commented that,
"In public services, there is often a lack of 'joined up thinking' and this specifically relates to funding streams which are not integrated. For example, there may be IT training for 'silver surfers' but no funding to assist with transport costs (where public transport is limited)."
5.2.3 Financial Restraints
Financial restraints were identified as an obstacle to contributing. Comments on the need for higher pensions or lower tax rates for older people were made by 11% of consultees, and 1% commented specifically on the need for the carers allowance to continue after retirement age.
Among the more detailed responses there were comments on the need to ensure state benefits are sufficient to raise older people above the poverty level and, as the following quote from a charity shows, that people also need to be aware of their entitlement to benefits,
" UK statistics from the DWPi suggest that up to 42% of eligible pensioners do not claim Pension Credit and that up to 47% of eligible pensioners do not claim Council Tax Benefit. There are a range of reasons for this, but lack of knowledge of the available benefits and their eligibility criteria, combined with complicated and confusing application forms, deter many potential applicants who are eligible and would benefit greatly."
5.2.4 Employment and Volunteering
Eight percent of consultees commented on obstacles to employment or volunteering. A lack of flexibility or a lack of employers willing to employ older people was identified by 6% as an obstacle for those wishing to remain in employment. Problems with bureaucracy were also highlighted; 2% mentioned red tape and in particular Disclosure forms for volunteers. Difficulties with insurance for older people either working or volunteering were reported by 1%. One public body commented,
"One of the main barriers to their wider involvement is presented by overly complex bureaucracy, primarily in connection with CRBS, but also health and safety regulations, etc. The SE should implement the recommendations of the recent report, '50+ volunteering: a vital resource'."
5.2.5 Training and Skills
Seven percent of consultees felt that a lack of suitable training or opportunity to update skills could cause problems for older people.
While there were comments from many responding to this consultation that older people offer a range of skills and expertise that can be passed onto others, the need to ensure availability of education and training was raised by 4% of consultees, while 3% commented more specifically on the need for IT training. However, one or two organisations noted that although there is a wide pool of potential older employees, some of these individuals may have out of date skills and require retraining. One organisation noted the need for continued lifelong learning for all and that age should not limit educational opportunities.
One local authority, while acknowledging the problem, saw potential for future benefits,
"New technology can be a barrier which may prevent some older people from contributing to society or benefiting from opportunities. However, it is likely that as people age and are more familiar with information technology, it will offer, for some older people, information inclusion and greater opportunities."
5.2.6 Social Isolation
In total, 7% of consultees mentioned problems in relation to social isolation. More specifically, 4% of respondents commented on difficulties posed by a language barrier for older people for whom English is not a main language - not surprisingly this issue was raised by 16% of respondents from the Asian community.
It was also noted that social isolation can be experienced by those whose families are widely dispersed and 1% commented specifically on this problem. A response from a charity highlighted concern that,
" LGBT people can often feel especially isolated in later life. The Executive can help by providing services (or requiring local government to provide services) such as LGBT centres where LGBT people can meet. Consideration should be given to providing sheltered housing for LGBT people where existing housing cannot guarantee a safe and comfortable life for older people. The need for services should be assessed without presuming that all elderly people are heterosexual. Needs for LGBT people can only be assessed through detailed and sensitive analyses that ensure that the voices of LGBT people are heard."
There was a marked difference between consultees in the ethnic sub-groups with 19% of respondents from the Asian community commenting on social isolation but only 1% of the 'Scottish' sub-group.
5.2.7 Attitudes
Attitudes and the self image of older people were seen as potential obstacles, and 6% of consultees commented on various attitudes that older people may have. Specific examples included:
- Lack of confidence (2%);
- Fear of crime (2%);
- The need not to be seen as "a burden" (1%);
- Capacity to adapt to change (1%);
- Narrow mindedness (1%).
5.3 AGEISM AND AGE DISCRIMINATION
The consultation paper asked, "What do you think about ageism and age discrimination?"
From October 2007 a new central body, the Commission for Equality and Human Rights ( CEHR), established by the Equalities Act (2006) will provide support and advice for those experiencing age discrimination. In addition, the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006 come into force in October 2006 with provisions to outlaw discrimination in employment and vocational training for all ages. Commenting on the new regulations, the Trade and Industry Secretary said,
"Ageism will affect more people, at some stage in their lives, than any other form of discrimination. But until now the law of the land has allowed it to continue. With these new regulations it will become illegal for workers to miss out on recruitment, promotion or training because of prejudice about their age."
Over half (56%) the consultees did not comment on this question. But, as mentioned in the previous chapter, ageism or age discrimination was identified by 27% of respondents at some point in their response to the consultation paper.
General comments made by 11% of consultees on age discrimination to this specific question were that it is endemic or will affect everyone at some point. Only 4% stated that they had never encountered age discrimination.
As shown in chart 5.3, the key issues emerging in relation to ageism and age discrimination were:
- In presenting an obstacle to older people;
- The need to improve inter-generational relationships;
- Ageism in the workplace;
- The need for Government action;
- That perceptions of older people are seen as negative and an allied need for positive discrimination to counteract this.
Chart 5.3
Summary of views on ageism and age discrimination
5.3.1 Age Discrimination as an Obstacle to Contributing
Fourteen percent of consultees saw attitudes to older people as an obstacle to contributing. This was highest in the 50-64 age group with 21% commenting on problems of age discrimination or ageist attitudes.
Seven percent of consultees reported a perception that older people are pigeon-holed and this included the use of phrases such as "past-it" or "one foot in the grave". In addition, 1% of respondents reported that they feel older people are seen as being slow or uneducated.
Age discrimination as an obstacle in general was highlighted by 7% of consultees. As one voluntary organisation stated, "Ageism as a form of discrimination was noted as impacting on the availability of opportunities and the general way in which society views older people."
5.3.2 Inter-generational Relationships
Another key theme to emerge in relation to ageism or discrimination was the need to improve inter-generational relationships with 11% commenting on this specific theme. This included a health organisation which commented, "The generations have a lot to learn from each other."
The importance of fostering respect between generations - perhaps by including this in education to help change attitudes of young people - was highlighted by 7% of consultees. Five percent felt that more interaction between young and older people would help correct misconceptions, especially about specific issues like Alzheimer's. As one special interest group noted,
"Traditionally in all societies older people have been revered for their knowledge and wisdom. In today's fast moving society this respect has largely broken down, and is increasingly breaking down in Minority Ethnic communities as well. Lack of respect for older people may reflect some of the alienation felt by younger people towards wider society. Closer links could help promote community cohesion both within society in general and within minority communities where young people may feel their identity is under threat."
5.3.3 Ageism in Employment
Eight percent of consultees felt that ageism exists in the workplace. One public body commented, "Age discrimination and ageism is most common at the recruitment and selection stage in job search." In addition, 5% saw a compulsory retirement age as a form of discrimination and felt that people should be allowed to work for as long as they choose.
5.3.4 Need for Government Action
The need for some form of government intervention was mentioned by 6% of consultees, with 4% voicing the need for legislation or welcoming the forthcoming Equalities Act, although there was some feeling among the substantive responses that this does not go far enough. There are provisions in the Act to ensure that there is no gender, race or religious discrimination in the provision of goods, services, facilities and education, but these provisions do not apply to age; as one local authority noted, "There may well be the case for extending the provision of the Equalities Act 2006 to make age discrimination in the provision of goods, services and public functions unlawful."
Not surprisingly, the employment regulations which come into force in October 2006 were welcomed. One local authority commented that, "Ageism 'robs' us of a rich seam of experience and talent, especially in employment. The forthcoming Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006 should help, but what is needed is a change in culture within society towards older people." There was some concern, among the substantive responses, over the cost of implementing the new regulations, albeit that there was also comment on how much discrimination itself costs, and a public body gave the cost to the UK economy of age discrimination as £31 billion per year.
Some respondents (2%) also felt that government should lead the way in showing recognition of the value of contributions made by older people.
5.3.5 Poor Image of Older People
We noted in the last chapter that perceptions of older people tend to be negative and 6% of consultees (including 10% of organisations), felt that older people are seen as a drain or burden, with 2% again specifically blaming a negative portrayal in the media. A local authority emphasising this point noted that,
"We are very supportive of the underlying thrust of the proposed strategy which seeks to enable the full contribution of older people to society particularly given that, in recent times, the growth in the numbers of older people is portrayed as a burden on society."
To counteract these negative attitudes, 4% of consultees supported some form of action; 3% welcomed the move to employ older people taken by some companies and 1% wanted to see positive discrimination. A further 1% recommended financial incentives to encourage employers to employ older staff.
In the words of one local authority,
"Ageism is as unacceptable as any other "ism"."
5.4 WHAT ELSE COULD BE DONE?
Finally in the section on contribution and opportunity, respondents were asked, "What else could be done?" The majority of comments made at this question reiterated those already covered in the previous questions or were made by less than 1% of respondents.
Only 28% of consultees provided any other suggestions, with the key single theme emerging in 5% of responses that older people need to feel useful and have their value recognised.
Four percent of consultees felt that there should be some form of older people's parliament or similar forum.
Valuing the opinions, including political opinions, of older people was identified by 2% of consultees while the need to value skills and experience was highlighted by 2%.
The need for more, easily accessible, groups or schemes specifically for older people was commented on by 3% of consultees, with 1% asking for increased funding for older people's groups.
In summary,
- Older people are perceived to contribute to society in many ways. Key contributions are:
- - volunteering;
- - knowledge, experience and skills;
- - caring roles;
- - tax-payers or consumers contributing to the economy.
- The main obstacles preventing older people from contributing were identified as:
- - health issues (physical and mental);
- - access to facilities and services;
- - lack of flexibility on part of employers;
- - lack of training or opportunities to update skills;
- - financial restraints;
- - social isolation;
- - attitudes of older people;
- - age discriimination.
- Suggestions to overcome these obstacles included:
- - improved inter-generational interaction;
- - removal of discrimination in the workplace;
- - a more positive image of older people to be portrayed by the media.